Teresa Clemmons: Compassion is name of game

O Captain! My Captain! I picture Robin Williams' character in "Dead Poets Society" first teaching the meaning behind these words, then hearing them spoken to him as his students stand up to conformity by standing up on their desks to honor their captain.

I think about the poem, written by Walt Whitman, about the captain of all presidents, Abraham Lincoln. Passion. If all teachers were passionate like John Keating, the teacher in "Dead Poets Society," what a gift they would give their students, the gift of inspiration.

Whitman wrote with passion. Lincoln led with passion. We are all better because passionate people put themselves out there for us.

There are a great many great people who have walked this earth, and many who still do. These are not people who just put in their time. They are people filled with passion and compassion. They stand above the crowd because we lift them up.

They stand out in the crowd because they desire to make things better, and they act on those desires. They are not always famous, but still they rise above.

I have the privilege of working with people who rise above yet live in humility. No recognition needed. Just knowing they can be there for others is enough.

Our office takes calls from people who are suffering from all types of ailments and circumstances. We can't promise to solve everyone's problems. We can't even promise every caller will feel better. We certainly hope for it, though, and offer encouragement whenever we can. Please call A Better Way at 288-HELP or (800) 273-TALK if you are hurting. We so value human life.

There is always struggle and life's problems do not have simple solutions. It is so easy for people to think they have the answers for others.

Many are quick to say what someone else should do. They judge what others do or do not do. I wish they could just listen. Listening to people helps them to feel valued. It does not solve all their problems.

It doesn't remove mental illness or addiction issues.

It does, however, let them know you care.

Do not waste time talking badly about others.

Build up. Build bridges, build hope.

Give of yourself.

You do not have to understand why people do what they do.

Just love them and those impacted by their decisions.

I feel such sorrow for those who cannot see the light for themselves, yet can be the light for others.

I suggest we each look at the man or woman in the mirror and start where we can — with ourselves.

Seek out the help you need, and be the help you can be.

Put all you can into the positive things you do. Take action. Show compassion. Seize the day.

Teresa Clemmons is executive director of A Better Way Services Inc. in Muncie.